Miami Dolphins’ Draft: What was accomplished?

Reviewing how team’s draft moves will affect roster

April 25, 2010|By Omar Kelly, Sun Sentinel

What was accomplished in the 2010 NFL Draft?

The Dolphins did what team czar Bill Parcells usually does when laying the foundation for his NFL renovation projects. Parcells likes big, physical players from big schools that fit specific needs, multidimensional players who create roster versatility and players who are leaders.

What wasn't achieved

Plenty of depth was added, but how many immediate starters (maybe DE Jared Odrick and S Reshad Jones) were selected? And how many of these rookies have Pro Bowl potential? Only time will tell, but this clearly wasn't a sexy draft.

Biggest get

Georgia's Jones, a fifth-rounder who will compete with Tyrone Culver and Chris Clemons for the vacant starting free safety spot. Jones, who is big, strong, fast and athletic, was projected to go in the second day but fell because of his erratic game film. If the Dolphins can iron out those issues, and make him a vocal leader, they might have something promising.

Biggest surprise

The Dolphins convinced veteran Randy Starks, the defensive line's most productive player last season, to move to nose tackle. Starks' position switch allowed the Dolphins to address other needs, and they concealed that strategy until Friday, faking out other teams who expected Miami to target nose tackles in the first three rounds. Good bluff.

Biggest regret

If Texas' Earl Thomas, whom the Dolphins passed on by trading down from No. 12 in the first round, turns out to be a Pro Bowl-caliber safety for Seattle, this regime will be constantly reminded of what could have been. But they wanted a second-round pick more than Thomas.

Best find

It's always a safe bet to gamble on NFL bloodlines, which makes you wonder if Ole Miss offensive guard John Jerry, the brother of Falcons 2009 first-rounder Peria Jerry, could become an immediate starter. However, the Dolphins plan to use Jerry on the left side of the line despite the fact he's always played on the right, might slow his development.

Underdog to watch

Ohio State inside linebacker Austin Spitler, who happens to be best friends with former Buckeye teammate and Dolphins receiver Brian Hartline, is an athletic freak. But Spitler only started one season because he sat behind three-time All-American LB James Laurinaitis. If the light bulb comes on, this seventh-round pick could become a gem. He needs to play well on specials teams to make the 53-man roster.

Best second guess

Why give up a sixth- and seventh-round pick to acquire Jones. If the Dolphins really wanted him that bad, they could have just utilized the fifth-rounder (No. 145) they used to select Nolan Carroll, who was projected to go in the sixth round at the earliest by most experts. But maybe the Dolphins knew another team was targeting Carroll. No matter what Carroll accomplishes, it's still a wasted draft pick because of the two-for-one approach.

What's been accomplished this offseason?

The Dolphins added a dynamic receiver by trading for Brandon Marshall and they got younger and more athletic at linebacker through the draft, the signing of Karlos Dansby and the acquisition of inside linebacker Tim Dobbins. The defense and offensive lines were fortified, and veteran leaders ( Chad Pennington and Jason Ferguson) were retained.

What's left to be done

Finding a successor to Ferguson. Is Starks really the long-term answer? Figure out what to do with starting left guard Justin Smiley, who has been on the trading block for a month. Identify or sign a starting free safety (Culver, Clemons or Jones) and find a returner who scares teams.

Loved it

This is a group of leaders, not followers. All but one member of the Dolphins' draft class were elected team captains by their peers. Most of the draftees will also contribute on special teams.

Hated it

The Dolphins didn't draft a returner, which was needed because of last week's trade of Ted Ginn Jr. to San Francisco. Davone Bess and Patrick Cobbs are adequate, and CFL import Ryan Grice-Mullen might be able to thrive in that role. But that unit could use some sizzle.

Brewing battle

Dansby's the only linebacker guaranteed to start in 2010. With 13 linebackers on the roster this is the NFL equivalent of "Survivor Island." Veterans such as Cameron Wake and Charlie Anderson will be pushed for starting spots by the rookies. Veterans Reggie Torbor, Quentin Moses and Erik Walden must bring more to the table to secure a roster spot.